Accuracy enhancing valve assembly and method

ABSTRACT

A device and method to improve accuracy of a water meter where a fluid is introduced into a valve assembly having an external casing. The fluid contacts a toggle stopper having a shaft, plate, and guides. A calibrated spring positioned around the shaft in contact with the plate assesses if the desired fluid meets a predetermined pressure. If yes, the calibrated spring compresses thereby toggling the plate within the chamber to allow desired fluid to enter the chamber. If no, the calibrated spring remains in an expanded state to seal the valve assembly. Upon such seal, there is an equalizing of both the desired and undesired fluids to the same pressure by decreasing the volume of the undesired fluid, causing the calibrated spring to compress and reopen.

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/899,119, filed Feb. 19, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 12/758,126, filed Apr. 12, 2010, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/383,708, filed Mar.27, 2009, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/070,994, filed Mar. 27, 2008, all of the above-identifiedapplications are hereby incorporated by reference herein in theirentireties for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed towards a valve assembly inter-disposedwithin a desired fluid to enhance accuracy of a meter, positionedproximate to the valve assembly, for purposes of measuring the volume ofthat desired fluid. More specifically, the invention is directed towarda valve assembly that employs pressure differentials between the desiredfluid and an undesired fluid—to ensure an accurate reading of only thevolume of desired fluid.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One of the hallmarks of industrialized society is the ability to movelarge quantities of liquid from a centralized source to a secondlocation—often traversing large distances and complex geography. Oneexample is municipal transport of treated, purified and potable waterfrom a centralized facility to individual residents for consumption. Asecond example is transporting low temperature liquid natural gas (LNG)from centralized containers to commercial facilities to provide energy.Yet a third example is moving crude oil through various pipelines inremote and desolate areas to coastal ports for transport via tanker forrefining into petroleum.

In each of the aforementioned examples, it becomes crucial to accuratelymeasure the volumetric quantity of fluid flowing through these variousconduits, tubes and pipelines. This is because the volume transportedand ultimately received by the consumer directly correlates to the pricecharged for the fluid. In most cases, this volume is gauged through ameter placed within the stream of the passing fluid—rather thanmeasuring an end-filled reservoir.

As previously discussed, access to a municipal water supply representsone of the most important examples of transport of large quantities offluid (here, water) from a centralized source to various end users.Current statistics suggest that over three and one-half billion peoplethroughout the world have access to a centralized water supply fordomestic and commercial use. This water supply is accomplished through aseries of conduits, pipes and fittings. In most cases, the centralizedfacility—usually a public utility—controls the supply, delivery,purification and processing of the water being delivered. Often, thiswater is delivered to these end users with a specific level of pressureto provide a sufficient flow rate for use in a variety of differentapplications. Typically, the specific water pressure delivered by mostcentralized municipal water generally ranges from 30 to 85 psi.

Measuring and gauging the actual amount of water consumed from amunicipal water authority by a residence currently is unfortunately moreof an art than science. Most public utilities position individual watermeters at each residential and commercial facility that draw from thecentralized offerings of potable water. These water meters are measuredeach month either manually—or more recently through automated systems—tobill each consumer for water drawn and used from the municipal waterauthority. Accordingly, most measurement of water drawn by end usersoccurs generally at the point of delivery of the fluid.

Despite advances in civil engineering, which include pre-fabricatedconduits for transport of treated water, there exist several drawbacksthat impede the accurate measurement of water drawn by consumers. Manyof these drawbacks are due to air being introduced within the variousconduits that form the water supply lines. The quantity of this airvaries from small air bubbles caused by cracks, holes or breaches withinthe conduits, to larger air pockets resulting during repair and/ormaintenance of the water supply lines. In addition, damage to the watersupply lines, often caused by natural disaster, accident or similarevent can also trigger introduction of quantities of air.

Regardless of the cause, these air bubbles or air pockets will travelalong the path of water flow within the water supply lines and willultimately be delivered to the residential or commercial facility. As aresult, the introduction of this air into the water supply line will bemeasured by the water meter and charged to the corresponding facility asdrawn/used water. This is due to the fact that most, if not all,conventional water meters are not structured to distinguish between airflow and water flow passing therethrough. Put another way, a water meterwould read (and correspondingly bill) passage of five liters of waterand one liter of air as six liters of water. As a result, accidents ordegrading of municipal water supply lines—the root of which isultimately the responsibility of the public utility—will lead tointroduction of air, higher meter readings and unfortunately higherbillings to the end user.

Another factor that further complicates this issue is that mostmunicipalities (or in the alternative states) have enacted ordinances orother laws, which prohibit tampering or altering convention watermeters. As such, end users cannot place any type of venting device toremove trapped air within the water supply line just prior to the watermeter—without violating some form of local law. This is particularlyfrustrating as it is the underlying municipality that is often the causeof this air within the water supply lines—a predicament that isultimately paid for by the consumer.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art of water distribution for anappropriate way to eliminate the charging of under users/consumers ofpublic utilities for the passage of air through a water meter prior tobeing drawn into a domestic or commercial facility. Put another way,there is a need for an effective device—placed subsequent to the watermeter but prior to the underlying facility—that will reduce aconventional water meter from charging for air passing through the watersupply. Moreover, such device should be robust, simply designed andwhich functions to enhance rather than alter the functionality of thewater meter. Such a device should not solely be used for improving theaccuracy of water meter readings, but could also be used to properlymeasure other fluid flows such as liquid natural gas, crude oil and/orpetroleum passing through a conduit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The current invention helps improve the accuracy of a meter employed tomeasure the volume of a desired fluid. The invention is directed to avalve assembly which helps ensure that certain undesirable fluids—suchas trapped air or trace gasses—are not measured by a conventional meter.This valve assembly may be comprised of both an external casing andinternal components. The external casing has an inlet, a correspondingoutlet, an exterior side and a corresponding interior side. Thisinterior side may include a first chamber, a second chamber and a wallinter-disposed between both chambers. The second chamber has an interiordiameter that is larger than the first chamber. Moreover, the firstchamber is located proximate the inlet while the second chamber islocated proximate the outlet.

The internal components of the valve assembly may include a togglestopper having an exterior diameter proximate to the interior diameterof the second chamber of the external casing. Moreover, the togglestopper may include a shaft, a plate having a first side andcorresponding second side and one or more guides. Positioned around theshaft is a calibrated spring capable of exerting force on the first sideof the plate. The shaft is affixed perpendicular to the first side ofthe plate.

The toggle stopper may include three guides affixed perpendicular to thesecond side of the plate. These guides are oriented to create a shapeand size sufficient to conform to the external diameter of the firstchamber. In addition, the guides are of a sufficient size and dimensionto fit within the internal diameter of the first chamber. Positionedproximate to the wall is an o-ring capable of effectuating a seal withthe second side of the plate.

The invention is further directed to a method for improving accuracy ofa meter employed to measure a desired fluid—such as pressurized wateremanating from a centralized facility for use by an end user (such as aresidential or commercial facility). The method may first comprises thestep of introducing the desired fluid into a valve assembly having anexternal casing which includes an inlet, a corresponding outlet, anexterior side and a corresponding interior side forming one or morechambers. The method may next contemplate contacting the desired fluidwith a second side of a plate positioned within the exterior casing.Here, the plate is part of a toggle stopper also having a shaft and oneor more guides.

The third step may assess if the desired fluid is at or greater than apredetermined pressure through use of a calibrated spring positionedaround the shaft of the toggle stopper. This calibrated spring is incontact with and capable of exerting force on a first side of the plate.In the case of pressurized water, this predetermined pressure is between20 to 120 psi, by way of example. If the desired fluid meets or exceedsthis predetermined pressure, the force of the desired fluid compressesthe calibrated spring resulting in toggling the plate within the chamberand allowing the desired fluid to flow through chamber to exit theoutlet.

However, should the total pressure of the desired fluid and/or anundesired fluid create a pressure that fails to meet the predeterminedpressure (such as trapped air having a lower pressure of 10 to 30 psi),the method contemplates expanding the calibrated spring so as toposition the plate in proximity of the inlet to seal the valve assemblyand prevent both the desired fluid and undesired fluid from entering.Upon creating this seal, the final step of the method contemplatesequalizing both the undesired fluid and desired fluid to essentially thesame pressure by decreasing the volume of the undesired fluid in orderto reach the predetermined pressure to allow the calibrated spring tocompress and re-open the valve assembly to resume flow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is made to thefollowing detailed description, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings illustrating various embodiments of the presentinvention, in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevation view illustrating one preferred placement of thevalve assembly in light of the meter;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the outer casing of the valve assembly;

FIG. 3 is a cut-away perspective view of the inside of the outer casingof the valve assembly;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the toggle stopper of the valveassembly;

FIG. 5 is a cut-away perspective view of internal components of thevalve assembly; and

FIG. 6 is a cut-away direct view of the valve assembly in a closedposition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodimentsof the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Likenumbers refer to like elements throughout.

Overall Functionality and Application

FIG. 1, by way of example, offers one example of the functionality andplacement of the apparatus contemplated by the invention. As shown, theinvention is generally directed to a valve assembly 100 in directcommunication and placed in proximity to a meter 200. A central facility300 provides a desired fluid 500 to the meter 200, which in turn feedsthe desired fluid 500 into the valve assembly 100. The desired fluid 500ultimately exits the valve assembly 100 for use by an end user 400—whichhere is either a residential, commercial or other facility.

While the valve assembly 100 can function through placement upstream(prior to the fluid being measured) or downstream (after the fluid ismeasured), it is typically placed downstream and subsequent to a meter200. More specifically, the valve assembly 100 is placed not more thantwelve inches downstream from the meter 200. This placement isspecifically contemplated to avoid violation of any protocols,agreements, laws or ordinances.

As discussed in greater detail below, the valve assembly 100 helpsincrease the accuracy of how the meter 200 reads the desired fluid500—which can be either gaseous or liquid. In most applications of thevalve assembly 100, there exists an undesirable fluid 550inter-dispersed within the desired fluid 500. Usually, the undesiredfluid 550 is introduced to the desired fluid 500 somewhere between thecentral facility 300 and the meter 200. The purpose and function of thevalve assembly 100 is to ensure proper measurement of this desired fluid500, without need to measure, pay for and/or denote existence of thesecond undesired fluid 550. One important benefit of the valve assembly100 is that it helps increase such efficiency without need to off-gas,remove or separate the desired fluid 500 from the second undesired fluid550.

Numerous applications of the valve assembly 100 illustrated in FIG. 1exists. However, in the description of the embodiments contained here,it is assumed purified and potable water is the desired fluid 500 whileair or other trapped gasses represent the second undesired fluid 550.Here, this pressurized water 500 is fed into valve assembly 100 atapproximately 60 psi. Examples of the functionality of this valveassembly 100 described herein are also based upon use within a publicutility, operated by a municipal authority, to deliver purified andpotable water from a centralized source 300 to an end user 400—which isthen metered to bill/charge that end user 400. However, otherapplications to more accurately measure and charge for liquid naturalgas (LNG) and crude oil/petroleum are also contemplated by theinvention.

Exterior of the Apparatus

FIGS. 2 through 4 illustrate the various components of the valveassembly 100, which may include an exterior casing 110 and variousinternal components 120. First turning to FIG. 2, the external casing110 is essentially cylindrical in shape and orientation, having an inlet130 and a corresponding outlet 140. As shown in FIG. 3 (described ingreater detail below), the external casing 110 has both an exterior side111 and a corresponding interior side 112. The surface area of theexterior side 111 forms the sheath 150 illustrated with reference againto FIG. 2. The sheath 150 includes a first end 151 and a correspondingsecond end 152. The first end 151 is positioned proximate to the inlet130 while the second end 152 is positioned proximate to the outlet 140.Combination of the inlet 130, outlet 140 and interior side 112 of thesheath 150 create a passageway that allows in-line communication withthe meter 200 to maintain sufficient pressure and flow rate of thedesired fluid 500 (pressurized water).

As further shown in FIG. 2, the sheath 150 can include threads 160 of asufficient size and dimension so as to engage and attach to a tube, pipeor similar conduit in which the water is flowing. More specifically, thethreads 160 should be positioned at the portion of the external casing110 where the out take pipe—which ultimately feeds to end user (either aresidential or commercial facility)—would be affixed. These threads 160are preferably positioned near the second end 152 of the sheath 150located near the outlet 140.

Positioned at the first end 151 of the sheath 150 is a connector 170.The connector 170 connects an incoming pipe to the valve assembly 100.As shown in FIG. 2, the connector 170 may include an outer flange 171,an intermediary lip 172 and a curved coupler 173. These three portions171-173 of the connector help feed the pressurized water 550 to betreated within the valve assembly 100. Alternatively, the connector 170can just be a flange 171, a threaded portion, or a conned shape ofsufficient size and dimension to fit into the conduit or pipe. FIG. 3illustrates the interior side 112 of the exterior casing 110. Thevarious portions of the interior side 112 form an interior chamber 180in which pressurized water 500 flows. As further shown in FIG. 3, thevalve assembly 100 preferably includes a first chamber 181 and a secondchamber 182. Both the first and second chambers 181 and 182 are indirect communication with one another. The first chamber 181 has asmaller diameter than the second chamber 182. Accordingly, there is astep or wall 183 formed at the connecting point 184 of both chambers 181and 182. As also seen in FIG. 3, the second internal chamber 182 has adiameter 182 a and the first internal chamber 181 has a diameter 181 a.The size of the diameter 182 a of the second internal chamber 182 isseen as being larger than the size of the diameter 181 a of the firstinternal chamber 181. Additionally, the lip member 172/173 is also seenas having an opening with a diameter 172 a that is also larger in sizethan the diameter 181 a of the first internal chamber 181.

The external casing 110 can be preferably of uni-body construction andmanufactured out of a hard, resilient, water tight, air tight andcorrosive-resistant material. Examples of such material include, but arecertainly not limited to, metal, polymer, composite, or ceramic. Othersimilar materials will be recognized and understood by those of ordinaryskill in the art.

However, lead-free brass or ABS plastic are the most common contemplatedmaterial for the external casing 110.

Interior of the Apparatus

FIGS. 4 through 6 illustrate the various internal components 120 of thevalve assembly 100. The internal components 120 include, but are notnecessarily limited to, a toggle stopper 600, a calibrated spring 650which fits around the toggle stopper 600, a perforated positioning wall660, and an o-ring 670 as illustrated with reference to both FIGS. 5 and6. Other related or additional internal components 120 will berecognized and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

FIGS. 4 and 5 both illustrate, by way of example, one embodiment of atoggle stopper 600. The toggle stopper 600 includes a shaft 610, a plate620 and a plurality of guides 630. The shaft 610 includes a firstportion 611, a corresponding second portion 612 and a cylindricalsurface 613. The plate 620 is affixed to the second portion 612 of theshaft 610. Correspondingly, the first portion 611 may include a tip 614having a sufficient size and dimension to be positioned and rest withinthe perforated positioning wall 660.

The plate 620 is positioned essentially perpendicular with the shaft610. The outer diameter of the plate 620 corresponds to the internaldiameter of the second chamber 182 of the exterior casing 110. Asfurther shown in FIG. 5, the plate 620 is essentially flat having afirst side 611 a and a corresponding second side 612 a. Positionedbetween the wall 183 and second side 612 a of the plate 620 is an o-ring670. The o-ring 670 helps effectuate a water-tight seal to preventpressurized water 500 from entering the second chamber 182 when thevalve assembly 100 is in a closed position.

As further shown in FIG. 5, there can be a plurality of guides 630affixed to the second side 612 a of the plate 620. Each of the guides isessentially perpendicular to the plate 630 and are oriented andpositioned to form the shape of a circle. There are preferably threemore guides 630 to form such a circle. This circle of guides 630functions to direct the toggle stopper 600 into the first chamber 181 toeffectuate a seal with the internal components 120. The seal is causedby the o-ring 670 contacting both the second side 612 a of the togglestopper 600 and the wall 183, which results in closing the valveassembly 100 to prevent pressurized water 500 from entering theapparatus.

FIG. 5 further illustrates the functionality and structure of theperforated positioning member 660. As shown, the positioning member 660is essentially a flat disk having a first side 661, a correspondingsecond side 662 and one or more flow-through perforations 662. Theseflow-through perforations 662 allow pressurized water 500 to leave thevalve assembly 100 for use by the end user 400. Positioned in the middleof the positioning member 660 is an opening 663. The opening 663 is of asufficient size and dimension to allow the tip 614 of the first portion611 of the shaft 610 to slide and toggle back-and forth. Moreover, theopening 663 provides overall stability and support for the togglestopper 600 (in addition to how the guides 630 are positioned within thefirst chamber 181).

FIG. 6 illustrates how the positioning member 660 is secured to theouter casing 110 of the valve assembly 110. As shown, one way to affixthe positioning member 660 is through a recess 664 positioned near theoutlet 140. A securing ring 665 can be placed and fitted within therecess 664. The securing ring 665 provides a fixed surface in which thefirst side 661 of the positioning member 660 can rest. Alternatively,the positioning member 660 can simply be pressed, glued or welded ontothe first chamber 181 of the outer casing 110.

FIG. 6 also shows the positioning and location of the calibrated spring650. The calibrated spring 650 fits around the shaft 610 of the togglestopper 600 and includes a first portion 651 and corresponding secondportion 652. The first portion 651 rests on the second side 662 of thepositioning member 660. Correspondingly, the second portion 652 of thecalibrated spring 650 can rest upon the first side 621 of the plate 620.

For the embodiment herein described in greater detail below by way ofexample, the calibrated spring 650 is designed to compress (andaccordingly open) when there is between 20 and 120 psi of pressurizedwater 500. However, if there is a sufficient amount of undesired fluid550 (i.e., trapped air and trace gasses) present at lower pressure, thecalibrated spring 650 will expand and cause the toggle stopper 600 toclose. Moreover, the calibrated spring 650 can be adjusted based uponthe nature of the pressure differential desired—which is based upon thelikely total pressure of both the desired and undesired fluidscontemplated to pass through the valve assembly 100 while desired fluid(here water) is being drawn from the centralized source to the end user.

The external casing or housing can have an internal groove disposed nearits outlet. The external casing/housing can house a securing member anda positioning member. The securing member can have an outer end that isfully disposed within the internal groove of the externalcasing/housing. The positioning member can have one or more openings toallow fluid flow and the positioning member can act as a stop member forone end of the spring.

Preferred Method

Apart from an apparatus, the invention is further directed to a methodto improve the accuracy of a meter 200 through use of a valve assembly100. The method contemplates that the valve assembly 100 is in-line withboth a first conduit and corresponding second conduit. Morespecifically, the method contemplates that pressurized water 500 ismeasured by the meter 200 and then transported through the first conduitinto the inlet 130. After employing the valve assembly 100, thispressurized water 500 then flows out of the outlet 140 and into thesecond conduit.

The primary goal of the method is to increase accuracy of the trueamount of volume of pressurized water 500 (or any desired fluid) ismeasured by the meter 200. As previously discussed, upon leaving acentralized facility 300, various undesired fluids 550 can be introducedinto the pressurized water 500. This included, but is certainly notlimited to, air and other trace gasses. Causes of this introduction ofundesired fluid 550 can include, without limitation, breaches in theline, construction and normal wear and tear on traditional municipalwater systems.

When measuring pressured water 500, conventional meters 200 essentiallymeasure these undesired fluids 500 as pressurized water 500—thus leadingto an inaccurate reading. The result is larger bills for the end user200, because the meter 200 registers the same regardless of whetherpressurized water 500 or undesired fluid 550 passes through the meter200.

The contemplated method helps improve the accuracy of the meter 200 toensure it provides a more true reading of the actual volume ofpressurized water 500 that passes through the meter 200. This methodtakes advantage of the natural properties of incompressible liquids incomparison to more compressible gases—such as air. More specifically,most centralized water authorities (i.e., centralized facilities 300)provide pressurized water at between 30 and 85 psi. In comparison, mosttrapped undesirable fluids 550 exist at between 0 to 15 psi. The methodemploys this pressure differential in aiding accuracy of the meter 200.

The first step of the method is to determine whether pressurized water500 is entering the inlet 130 at or greater than a predeterminedpressure. Such determination is made based upon the calibrated spring650, shown in FIG. 6, which is part of the internal components 120 ofthe valve assembly 100. As illustrated, the calibrated spring 650 fitsaround the shaft 610 of the toggle stopper 600 and is secured tightlybetween the positioning member 660 and the first side 621 of the plate620.

The calibrated spring 650 is designed to flex when there is at least 20psi of force exerted on the second side 622 of the plate 620. If suchpressure indeed exists, the calibrated spring 650 compresses.Accordingly, the toggle stopper 600 internally pivots based upon theforce of the pressurized water 500 as it enters from the inlet 130 intothe first chamber 181. Moreover, this desired fluid 500 flows around theplate 620, into the second chamber 182 and then exits the valve assembly110 through the outlet 140.

The method next contemplates expanding the calibrated spring 650 andclosing the toggle stopper 620 if there is a total pressure drop betweenboth the desired fluid 500 and the undesired fluid 550 evidencing asignificant amount of lower pressure undesirable fluid 550—such as airor other trace gases. When such pressure drop occurs, the calibratedspring 650 will expand and thus create force upon the first side 621 ofthe plate 620. This will in turn cause the toggle stopper 600 to pivotback and rest upon the wall 183—creating a seal between the second side622 of the plate 620 and the o-ring 670. The plate 620 is properlypositioned on the o-ring 670 through assistance of the guides 630 asthey slide and become positioned within the first chamber 181. Theresult is the valve assembly 100 entering a closed position.

Once the valve assembly 100 is in a closed position, undesirable fluid550 becomes squeezed before the meter 200 and the valve assembly 100within the first conduit. Pressurized water 500, exiting the meter 200at between 20 to 120 psi, naturally exerts force on trapped undesirablefluid 550. This pressure differential results in the decreasing thevolume of this undesirable fluid 500, which in turn causes its pressureto increase. At some point, the pressure of the undesirable fluid 550will equalize with the pressurized water 500. Such equalizing will causethe calibrated spring 500 to open the toggle stopper 600 to allow bothfluids to enter the valve assembly 100—this placing it in an openposition.

When the valve assembly 100 is placed in a closed position—in order toequalize the undesirable fluid 550 to that of the pressurized water500—there exists a deceleration of the meter 200. Based upon the quicktransition from the open position to the closed position of the valveassembly 100, the flow rate is quickly reduced. However, based upon thefunction of the valve assembly 100 to reduce the volume of theundesirable fluid 550, the result is the seeping of a finite amount ofpressurized water 500 through the meter.

This seeping of pressurized water 500 is roughly the same or somewhatless than the volume of the undesirable fluid 500 which passed throughand was read by the meter 500. However, based upon the accelerationdifferential, this seeping of pressurized water 500 through the meter200 at a lower velocity in comparison to normal flow, is not read by themeter 200. Because the volume of seeped pressurized water 500 is equalor slightly less than the volume of undesirable fluid 550, the result isa more accurate reading of the true volume of pressurized water 500 thatflows through the meter 200 for use by the end user 400.

All measurements, dimensions, shapes, amounts, angles, values,percentages, materials, degrees, product configuration, orientations,product layout, component locations, sizes, number of sections, numberof components or items, etc. discussed above or shown in the Figures aremerely by way of example and are not considered limiting and othermeasurements, dimensions, shapes, amounts, angles, values, percentages,materials, degrees, product configuration, orientations, product layout,component locations, sizes, number of sections, number of components oritems, etc. can be chosen and used and all are considered within thescope of the invention.

It will be seen that the objects set forth above, and those madeapparent from the foregoing description, are efficiently attained andsince certain changes may be made in the above construction withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention, it is intended that allmatters contained in the foregoing description shall be interpreted asillustrative and not in a limiting sense. The instant invention has beenshown and described herein in what is considered to be the mostpractical and preferred embodiment.

It should be understood that the exemplary embodiments described hereinshould be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within each embodimentshould typically be considered as available for other similar featuresor aspects in other embodiments. While one or more embodiments have beendescribed with reference to the figures, it will be understood by thoseof ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and detailsmay be made therein without departing from their spirit and scope.

Unless feature(s), part(s), component(s), characteristic(s) orfunction(s) described in the specification or shown in the drawings fora claim element, claim step or claim term specifically appear in theclaim with the claim element, claim step or claim term, then theinventor does not consider such feature(s), part(s), component(s),characteristic(s) or function(s) to be included for the claim element,claim step or claim term in the claim when and if the claim element,claim step or claim term is interpreted or construed. Similarly, withrespect to any “means for” elements in the claims, the inventorconsiders such language to require only the minimal amount of features,components, steps, or parts from the specification to achieve thefunction of the “means for” language and not all of the features,components, steps or parts describe in the specification that arerelated to the function of the “means for” language.

Dimensions and/or proportions of certain parts in the figures may havebeen modified and/or exaggerated for the purpose of clarity ofillustration and are not considered limiting.

While the system and method has been described and disclosed in certainterms and has disclosed certain embodiments or modifications, personsskilled in the art who have acquainted themselves with the disclosure,will appreciate that it is not necessarily limited by such terms, nor tothe specific embodiments and modification disclosed herein. Thus, a widevariety of alternatives, suggested by the teachings herein, can bepracticed without departing from the spirit of the disclosure, andrights to such alternatives are particularly reserved and consideredwithin the scope of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A valve assembly to improve accuracy of a watermeter installed within a water line, the valve assembly comprising: aone-piece external casing having an inlet and an outlet; the casingdefining a first internal chamber and a second internal chamber, thesecond internal chamber extending from the outlet of the casing to anintermediate point within the casing, the first internal chamberextending from the intermediate point to the inlet of the casing, thesecond internal chamber having a first diameter and the first internalchamber having a second diameter smaller in size than the firstdiameter, the diameter of the first internal chamber being smaller thanthe diameter of the second chamber to create an internal wall at theintermediate point within the external casing; a stopper including ashaft and a plate having a first side and a second side, the shaftextending outward from the first side of the plate, the stopperpositioned within the external casing; and a spring positioned aroundthe shaft capable of exerting force on the first side of the plate;wherein the spring in an expanded position causes the second side of thestopper to contact the internal wall and effectively seal off fluidcommunication between the first internal chamber and the second internalchamber.
 2. The valve assembly of claim 1 further comprising a connectorsecured to the external casing at the inlet of the external casing, theconnector comprising an outer flange and a lip member, the outer flangeextending outwardly and perpendicular to the external casing, the lipmember extending outwardly from the inlet and perpendicular to the outerflange and the lip member defining an opening having a diameter largerin size than the diameter of the first internal chamber, the opening ofthe lip member in communication with the first internal chamber, theopening of the lip member having a curved inner surface beginning at alip member outer end and terminating at the first internal chamber. 3.The valve assembly of claim 2 wherein the connector is monolithicallyformed with the casing as a one-piece member.
 4. The valve assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the plate of the stopper is positioned within thesecond chamber, the plate having an exterior diameter proximate to thatof the diameter of the second chamber and larger than the diameter ofthe first chamber.
 5. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the stopperhaving one or more guides extending outward from the second side of theplate.
 6. The valve assembly of claim 5, wherein the one or more guidesare three or more guides that extend outward perpendicular to the secondside of the plate, wherein the three or more guides are oriented tocreate a shape and size sufficient to conform to the internal diameterof the first chamber.
 7. The valve assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising an o-ring within a seating groove positioned proximate to thewall, the o-ring capable of effectuating a seal when pressed by thesecond side of the plate when the spring is in an expanded positionduring a valve closed state.
 8. The valve assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising a positioning member having at least one fluid flow openingssecured directly to an inner surface of the casing within the secondinternal chamber and proximate to the outlet of the external casing, thepositioning member having a central opening having a size sufficient toreceive the shaft of the stopper, wherein the spring rests upon thepositioning member, and wherein the one or more fluid flow opening allowfluid to flow through the outlet of the casing for removal from thevalve assembly.
 9. The valve assembly of claim 8, wherein the spring iscapable of being compressed when the desired fluid flowing into theinlet is at a predetermined sufficient pressure such that the shaft ofthe stopper will be inserted and move within the central opening of thepositioning member.
 10. The valve assembly of claim 1 wherein the casinghas a plurality of threads on an external surface near the outlet of thecasing.
 11. A valve assembly to improve accuracy of a water meterinstalled within a water line, the valve assembly comprising: aone-piece external casing having an inlet and an outlet; the casingdefining a first internal chamber and a second internal chamber, thesecond internal chamber extending from the outlet of the casing to anintermediate point within the casing, the first internal chamberextending from the intermediate point to the inlet of the casing, thesecond internal chamber having a first diameter and the first internalchamber having a second diameter smaller in size than the firstdiameter, the diameter of the first internal chamber being smaller thanthe diameter of the second chamber to create an internal wall at theintermediate point within the external casing; a stopper including ashaft and a plate having a first side and a second side, the shaftextending outward from the first side of the plate, the stopperpositioned within the external casing; wherein the plate of the stopperis positioned within the second chamber, the plate having an exteriordiameter proximate to that of the diameter of the second chamber andlarger than the diameter of the first chamber a spring positioned aroundthe shaft capable of exerting force on the first side of the plate;wherein the spring in an expanded position causes the second side of thestopper to contact the internal wall and effectively seal off fluidcommunication between the first internal chamber and the second internalchamber; and a connector secured to the external casing at the inlet ofthe external casing, the connector comprising an outer flange and a lipmember, the outer flange extending outwardly and perpendicular to theexternal casing, the lip member extending outwardly from the inlet andperpendicular to the outer flange and the lip member defining an openinghaving a diameter larger in size than the diameter of the first internalchamber, the opening of the lip member in communication with the firstinternal chamber, the opening of the lip member having a curved innersurface beginning at a lip member outer end and terminating at the firstinternal chamber.
 12. The valve assembly of claim 11, wherein thestopper having one or more guides extending outward from the second sideof the plate.
 13. The valve assembly of claim 11, further comprising ano-ring within a seating groove positioned proximate to the wall, theo-ring capable of effectuating a seal when pressed by the second side ofthe plate when the spring is in an expanded position during a valveclosed state.
 14. The valve assembly of claim 11, further comprising apositioning member having at least one fluid flow openings secureddirectly to an inner surface of the casing within the second internalchamber and proximate to the outlet of the external casing, thepositioning member having a central opening having a size sufficient toreceive the shaft of the stopper, wherein the spring rests upon thepositioning member, and wherein the one or more fluid flow opening allowfluid to flow through the outlet of the casing for removal from thevalve assembly.
 15. The valve assembly of claim 14, wherein the springis capable of being compressed when the desired fluid flowing into theinlet is at a predetermined sufficient pressure such that the shaft ofthe stopper will be inserted and move within the central opening of thepositioning member.
 16. A valve assembly to improve accuracy of a watermeter installed within a water line, the valve assembly comprising: aone-piece external casing having an inlet and an outlet; the casingdefining a first internal chamber and a second internal chamber, thesecond internal chamber extending from the outlet of the casing to anintermediate point within the casing, the first internal chamberextending from the intermediate point to the inlet of the casing, thesecond internal chamber having a first diameter and the first internalchamber having a second diameter smaller in size than the firstdiameter, the diameter of the first internal chamber being smaller thanthe diameter of the second chamber to create an internal wall at theintermediate point within the external casing; a stopper including ashaft and a plate having a first side and a second side, the shaftextending outward from the first side of the plate, the stopperpositioned within the external casing; a spring positioned around theshaft capable of exerting force on the first side of the plate; whereinthe spring in an expanded position causes the second side of the stopperto contact the internal wall and effectively seal off fluidcommunication between the first internal chamber and the second internalchamber; and a positioning member having at least one fluid flowopenings secured directly to an inner surface of the casing within thesecond internal chamber and proximate to the outlet of the externalcasing, the positioning member having a central opening having a sizesufficient to receive the shaft of the stopper, wherein the spring restsupon the positioning member, and wherein the one or more fluid flowopening allow fluid to flow through the outlet of the casing for removalfrom the valve assembly; wherein the spring is capable of beingcompressed when the desired fluid flowing into the inlet is at apredetermined sufficient pressure such that the shaft of the stopperwill be inserted and move within the central opening of the positioningmember.
 17. The valve assembly of claim 16 further comprising aconnector secured to the external casing at the inlet of the externalcasing, the connector comprising an outer flange and a lip member, theouter flange extending outwardly and perpendicular to the externalcasing, the lip member extending outwardly from the inlet andperpendicular to the outer flange and the lip member defining an openinghaving a diameter larger in size than the diameter of the first internalchamber, the opening of the lip member in communication with the firstinternal chamber, the opening of the lip member having a curved innersurface beginning at a lip member outer end and terminating at the firstinternal chamber.
 18. The valve assembly of claim 16, wherein the plateof the stopper is positioned within the second chamber, the plate havingan exterior diameter proximate to that of the diameter of the secondchamber and larger than the diameter of the first chamber.
 19. The valveassembly of claim 16, wherein the stopper having one or more guidesextending outward from the second side of the plate.
 20. The valveassembly of claim 16, further comprising an o-ring within a seatinggroove positioned proximate to the wall, the o-ring capable ofeffectuating a seal when pressed by the second side of the plate whenthe spring is in an expanded position during a valve closed state.